Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned India for allegedly violating Canada’s sovereignty, describing the actions as a “horrific mistake.” His remarks come amid escalating tensions related to the murder of a Sikh separatist in British Columbia and accusations of a broader campaign of threats and violence against Indian exiles living in Canada.
Speaking during a public inquiry into foreign interference, Trudeau emphasized that Canada had no intention of provoking India, but felt compelled to respond to ensure the safety of Canadians. He pointed to the shooting death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, outside a Sikh temple last June as a critical turning point, stating that it revealed clear indications of India’s involvement.
Trudeau stated, “We had clear and certainly now ever clearer indications that India had violated Canada’s sovereignty.” He also claimed that classified intelligence suggested the opposition Conservative party might be at risk of foreign interference, heightening the political stakes in the unfolding controversy.
The Canadian Prime Minister’s comments come after Canadian police accused Indian diplomats of collaborating with criminal organizations to target Sikh dissidents in Canada. In response, an Indian government spokesperson dismissed the allegations as “ludicrous” and asserted that Canada had failed to provide any evidence supporting its claims. They attributed the deterioration of India-Canada relations solely to Trudeau’s actions.
Trudeau revealed that Canadian officials had shared evidence of the threats posed by Indian agencies with their Indian counterparts, but said that Indian officials were uncooperative. He described the police's decision to publicly announce these allegations as a necessary step for public safety, aimed at disrupting a pattern of violence including drive-by shootings and extortion linked to organized crime.
The dispute escalated earlier this week when Canada expelled six senior Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, prompting India to retaliate by expelling an equal number of Canadian diplomats. As tensions continue to rise, Canada is seeking support from allied nations to condemn India’s alleged actions.
During a recent phone conversation with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trudeau highlighted the seriousness of the situation, leading the UK to urge India to cooperate with Canada’s legal investigations.
As the diplomatic standoff deepens, the allegations have drawn attention from Canada’s allies, complicating India’s ability to maintain silence on the matter. The U.S. State Department has indicated dissatisfaction with India’s cooperation concerning the investigations in Canada, although it noted India’s collaboration in a separate case regarding a plot against a Sikh separatist leader in New York.
In addition to the international implications, Trudeau disclosed that members of the Conservative party could be vulnerable to foreign interference, adding a layer of political controversy. He stated he possesses information regarding several Conservative parliamentarians potentially involved in such activities. The Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, has called for Trudeau to disclose the names of those implicated, accusing him of using the situation to distract from internal Liberal issues.
Trudeau reiterated his commitment to using intelligence information responsibly, stating he would not exploit national security data for partisan gain. In light of the allegations, Canada’s parliamentary committee on public safety plans to conduct an emergency study into the reported involvement of Indian agents in violent crimes within Canada.
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